Each packet of Habu Textiles Kakishibu Tsumugi Silk contains 265yd/1oz, 100% silk. We suggest 2.5-3.25mm/US 1-3 for a single strand knit as standard stockinette fabric; for 2 or more strands, US 5 and up. If lace is your desire, experiment in pattern to discover the best size needle.
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This is a fabulous yarn that lends itself to fascinating blending techniques that produce some of the best fabric we've seen. As with Habu's 1/10 Kakishibu Tokkenshi Silk, the possibilies far outnumber the amount of available knitting time in the universe -- and each of them yields a delectible result.
- Consider using two, or even all three, of the colors together, but not just one strand of each. Begin with 3 (or 4 or 6 or whatever) strands of Color A and knit your fabric for a while. Then switch to 2 strands (or 1 less of your base number) of Color A and 1 strand of Color B. Knit on. Then 1 strand (or 2 less than your base number - you get the picture, I'm sure) of Color A and 2 strands of Color B, and so forth until you have all Color B. The subtle gradations in color are simply stunning and will be a joy to see for years and years. Obviously, the more strands and the more colors, the more variation will be possible.
- Strand Tsumugi with Silk-Mohair Kusa for a remarkable fabric. Use a single strand of each and a US size 2 or 3 needle. You'll discover that the strands play with each other such that the final result is extraordinary: it looks almost like a very subtle handpaint, has the drape of silk and the feel of cashmere. Knitting seldom gets any better than this. **Watch for a wonderful skirt kit in this combination - coming soon!
- Knit a single strand of this very fine lace-weight yarn with a small needle, but not one so small that the fabric becomes opaque. You can knit a tantalizing sheer fabric in this way that will be gorgeous as, say, an oversize cardigan. Drape-y, with eye-catching changes in opacity as you walk. And it will be warming without being too warm. Kakishibu Tsumugi will soften greatly with handling and washing over time.